Duck Numbers Remain High

Drier conditions on the prairies demonstrate importance of Boreal Forest habitats

The 2015 Trends in Duck Breeding Populations report released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) indicates another strong year for waterfowl populations. The report is based on surveys conducted in May and early June by biologists with the USFWS, Canadian Wildlife Service, and several state agencies. Overall duck numbers in the survey area are statistically similar to last year and remain high. Total populations were estimated at 49.5 million breeding ducks in the surveyed area. This estimate represents a 1 percent increase from last year's estimate of 49.2 million birds, and is 3 percent higher than the 1955–2014 long-term average.

"We are fortunate to see continued high overall duck populations in North America's breeding areas this year," said DU CEO Dale Hall.

Read more »  

Gear Guide

New guns & gear for 2015

The 2015 New Guns and Gear feature contains a wide variety of exciting gear to help improve the upcoming waterfowl season, featuring waterfowl guns, ammunition, clothing, knives, and much more.

Find your guns & gear »

5 Delicious Duck Camp Recipes

The Sporting Chef shares some of his favorite ways to prepare waterfowl for his hunting buddies

There is no reason anyone should be denied a good meal at duck camp. Anything you can cook at home can also be prepared over a bed of coals or a portable gas cooker. Camp cooks take great pride in serving sensational meals to their hunting partners. Even when the birds aren't flying, great food and friends can make any trip to duck camp memorable. The following recipes aren't fancy, just delicious.

Read more »

DU TV is back!

New episodes airing this summer

Hosts Field Hudnall, Wade Bourne, Zach Pederson, and Ainsley Beeman are back this season to bring you a new, fast-paced format featuring waterfowling from across North America! During the premiere episode, the crew hunts teal in Louisiana with country singer Dylan Scott, who unveils his new duck hunting song. Watch online anytime at www.ducks.org/DUTV or catch it four times a week on the Pursuit Channel.

Watch now »

DU News: Recent Headlines

Five years after the Gulf oil spill, settlement provides for meaningful restoration

Five years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster that claimed 11 lives and dumped nearly 3.2 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, officials in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana announced an $18.7 billion settlement with BP.

Read more »

More Headlines

• DU Waterfowling Heritage Center welcomes more than 100,000 visitors
• Bismarck's Zach Schneider shoots nearly perfect score at DU Fun Shoot
• First sale of Federal Duck Stamp held at Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid

• 2015 Duck Numbers
• Gear Guide: New Guns & Gear
• 5 Delicious Duck Camp Recipes
• Purina Pro Plan
• DU TV Is Back!
• ... and more

Favorite Member Photos

Check out our editors' favorite selections from DU's Member Photos of the Day for the month of June.

View slideshow »

Field Notes

Calling on public land

DU TV Host Field Hudnall explains strategies for calling ducks in public-land situations where you have lots of competition and wary ducks.

View tip »

Field Notes

Small spreads for geese

DU TV Host Wade Bourne explains that, in some situations, you don't need a large decoy spread to attract geese.

View tip »

Corporate Partner Spotlight

Purina Pro Plan

Hard-charging retrievers exert high energy making long swims and retrieves during waterfowling season. Feeding retrievers a performance dog food can help boost their athleticism when it matters most—from the duck blind.

Read more »

DU Films

Balancing Act

This installment in DU's new online film series features two hunters balancing multiple demands on their time while still making hunting a priority.

Watch now »

Waterfowl Recipe

Tangy Grilled Duck

Get the full recipe »